Michael Rickard's Blog, page 10
May 21, 2019
Tag Team Appreciation Month: Rock-n-Roll Will Never Die! The Incredible Career of Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson.
Copyright 2019 by Michael W. Rickard II
The Rock-n-Roll Express Ricky Morton (left) and Robert Gibson(right) took tag team wrestling to new heights during the 1980'sThe Rock 'n' Roll Express were an innovative tag team whose success led to many copycat teams yet ironically, The Rock 'n' Roll Express were thrown together to emulate the success of a wildly popular tag team. Nonetheless, they revolutionized tag team wrestling in the 1980s and not only does their legacy carry on today, but the tea...
The Rock-n-Roll Express Ricky Morton (left) and Robert Gibson(right) took tag team wrestling to new heights during the 1980'sThe Rock 'n' Roll Express were an innovative tag team whose success led to many copycat teams yet ironically, The Rock 'n' Roll Express were thrown together to emulate the success of a wildly popular tag team. Nonetheless, they revolutionized tag team wrestling in the 1980s and not only does their legacy carry on today, but the tea...
May 5, 2019
Tag Team Appreciation Month: Freebird Fantasia Forever
Copyright 2019 by Michael W. Rickard IIWhile the Second Golden Age of Tag Team Wrestling is sometimes seen as being started by The Fabulous Ones or The Road Warriors, you can be certain that The Fabulous Freebirds stand out as one of the greatest teams from this era, finding success nearly everywhere they went (with their short-lived WWF run being due to their excessive partying). Michael “P.S.” Hayes, Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy, and Buddy Roberts redefined tag team wrestling as they became the ba...
May 2, 2019
The Trade Winds of Change: Emily Cartwright’s Ignorance and Corruption
The Trade Winds of Change: Emily Cartwright’s Ignorance and CorruptionCaryl Phillips’ Cambridge utilizes the maxim that there are three sides to any story—my side, your side, and the truth to explore the historical and cultural gaps in society’s narrative of slavery. It also examines Emily Cartwright’s easy corruption by her own ignorance and the societal forces she is exposed to, inviting an examination of why slavery is embraced in a society which espouses liberty. While there is much to be...
April 28, 2019
Book Review: Mid-Atlantic Wrestling 1975 Yearbook
Ever wonder what it was like growing up as a fan of wrestling during the territory days? Thanks to Dick Bourne and David Chappell’s Mid-Atlantic Wrestling 1975 Yearbook, readers can experience the thrills and action that took place in Jim Crockett Promotions’ legendary Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling territory. This oversized book is bursting with photos, newspaper articles, and reproductions of house show program books, giving fans the chance to step back into 1975.Check out my review he...
April 22, 2019
Bear-Warriors in Myth and Folklore.
Copyright 2019 by Michael W. Rickard II
With its sheer power, cunning mind, and remarkable endurance, the bear has fascinated people since the dawn of humanity with the creature being worshipped and featured in myth and folklore. People emulated the bear’s remarkable traits which makes it no surprise that bear-warriors have also found their way into many cultures’ myths and folklore. Check out my video for my "Beowulf" class.
With its sheer power, cunning mind, and remarkable endurance, the bear has fascinated people since the dawn of humanity with the creature being worshipped and featured in myth and folklore. People emulated the bear’s remarkable traits which makes it no surprise that bear-warriors have also found their way into many cultures’ myths and folklore. Check out my video for my "Beowulf" class.
April 17, 2019
"Ama": Exploring Identity in a Comprehensive Neo-Slave Narrative
Copyright 2019 by Michael W. Rickard IIManu Herbstein’s neo-slave narrative Ama, a Story of the Atlantic Slave Trade provides readers with a comprehensive look at the life of an enslaved person, ranging from the enslavement process, the Middle Passage, life as an enslaved person, and the effects of slavery on both the enslaved and enslavers. One of the most important aspects discussed is that of identity, which Herbstein explores throughout the book and which I shall discuss here. While othe...
April 5, 2019
WrestleMania XXXV Predictions
Whether you're betting the farm on the main event at "The Showcase of the Immortals" or simply looking to impress your friends, the knowledgeable folks at Canadian Bulldog's World have their predictions for Sunday's event right here. Naturally, yours truly couldn't resist joining in the fun so check out my picks and everyone else's.
April 4, 2019
Vince McMahon's #MeToo Moments
The good people over at WrestleLamia have posted a video on Vince McMahon's #MeToo Moments (my words not theirs). Check the video out here
"Beowulf": Examining Its Origins in Myths and Legend
Copyright 2019 by Michael W. Rickard IIHere's a sneak peek at my video presentation for my "Beowulf" class. The epic poem “Beowulf” has entertained audiences for centuries with its captivating tale of a mighty warrior battling monsters in epic battles. It’s also bewildered scholars who’ve struggled to determine not only when the poem was written and by whom, but what sources inspired it. While it may be impossible to get a definitive answer, that hasn’t stopped scholars from examining a varie...
April 2, 2019
WWE Censors the Truth
Update: I'm happy to report that the video is back up and can be found here.My friends over at WrestleLamia recently released a video on Vince McMahon's self-professed sexual escapades as well as the lawsuits filed against him for sexual harassment (and worse). Click here to see why the WWE is so upset about the video as well as the craven way they handled it.
